Your warehouse is the heart of your logistics operation. Every error, every delay and every lost item costs you money. Yet many warehouses still work with outdated processes: paper pick lists, manual data entry in Exact Online and endless searching for items. Barcode scanning changes that fundamentally. In this article, you will discover how barcode scanning makes your warehouse faster, error-free and real-time — fully integrated with Exact Online.
The problem: outdated warehouse processes
In many warehouses, daily work still looks like this: an employee receives a packing slip, walks to the computer, opens Exact Online and manually books the receipt. When picking orders, a paper list is printed, items are collected and only afterwards is the delivery processed in Exact Online.
This process is error-prone at every point. Item numbers are copied incorrectly. Quantities do not match. Locations are not updated. And between the physical action and the administrative processing there is a delay of hours or even a full day. During that time, your stock levels in Exact Online are unreliable.
The costs of this way of working are higher than most businesses realise. Wrong deliveries lead to returns and dissatisfied customers. Inventory discrepancies lead to stockouts or overstock. And the time employees spend on administration comes at the expense of productive warehouse work.
The transformation: barcode scanning for Exact Online
With barcode scanning, all these problems are solved. The Barcode Scan App for Exact Online fully digitalises your warehouse processes. Every goods movement is recorded by simply scanning a barcode. The app communicates directly with Exact Online via the API, keeping your inventory always up to date.
Goods receipt with scanning
When a supplier delivers goods, the warehouse employee opens the corresponding purchase order in the app. By scanning the barcode of each item, the receipt is automatically booked in Exact Online. The app immediately shows whether the correct items and quantities are being received. Deviations trigger a warning.
Order picking with scanning
When picking orders, the app shows the items to be collected with their location in the warehouse. The employee walks the optimal route and scans each item that is picked. The app verifies whether the correct item is being picked and tracks which items still need to be collected. After picking, the delivery is booked in Exact Online with a single tap.
Stock transfers
Moving items between warehouses or locations is a matter of seconds with scanning. Scan the item, select the target location and the transfer is processed directly in Exact Online. No forms, no data entry afterwards — just scan and done.
Scanning methods: which fits your warehouse?
The Barcode Scan App supports multiple scanning methods, so you can choose what best fits your situation and budget.
Camera scanning
The simplest method: use your smartphone or tablet camera to scan barcodes. Ideal for small warehouses or to get started with scanning. The app supports both 1D barcodes (EAN, Code 128) and 2D barcodes (QR, DataMatrix).
Bluetooth scanner
An external Bluetooth scanner offers higher scan speed and reliability. The scanner connects wirelessly to your smartphone or tablet running the Barcode Scan App. A good balance between cost and performance.
Industrial Android scanner
For intensive warehouse use, an industrial scanner such as the Zebra TC21 or TC53 is the best choice. These devices combine a lightning-fast barcode scanner with a rugged Android device. They are resistant to drops, dust and water — ideal for warehouse environments. The Barcode Scan App runs directly on these devices.
The benefits at a glance
Barcode scanning combined with Exact Online delivers measurable benefits:
- Up to 5x faster: Scanning is many times faster than manual data entry. A goods receipt of 50 items takes minutes instead of an hour.
- Error-free: Every scan is verified. Wrong items are detected immediately. The error rate drops from 1-3% to virtually zero.
- Real-time: Your stock levels in Exact Online are always up to date. No more delays between physical actions and administration.
- Traceability: Batch and serial numbers are automatically recorded with every scan, providing full traceability in Exact Online.
- Lower costs: Fewer errors means fewer returns, fewer stockouts and less overstock. Employees spend their time on productive work instead of administration.
Get started with barcode scanning today
The Barcode Scan App works directly with your existing Exact Online environment. No installation or configuration in Exact Online is required. Download the app, log in with your Exact Online account and you can start scanning immediately. Experience for yourself how barcode scanning transforms your warehouse.